Berdiche-hallberd stamp-hallmark

cornelistromp · 12th May 2017, 12:22 PM

IHS is a acronym/abbreviation of the greek name IHΣΟΥΣ =Jesus.
there is also another interpretation of IHS, better applicable to weapons

-In Hoc Signo (vincere) - In this sign you shall conquer".

best jasper

ALEX · 12th May 2017, 02:00 PM

Yes, a Christian symbol referencing Jesus. The cross and crossed bones also indicate this. Likely a wood cutting tool, especially if the blade is offset/off center from the socket, which seems to be a case here. Jesus was a carpenter, so this could be why such stamp was used.

francantolin · 12th May 2017, 03:56 PM

Waoh !!
Really interesting ! Thank you !!

( better an halberd head than a carpenter tool but..

any idea about the land of production/ use of this type of stamp ? North Europa ?
And it's age ?

Kind Regards

ALEX · 12th May 2017, 07:59 PM

Google "Austrian Goosewing Broad Axe" and you'll see many similar. There's one currently listed on a popular auction site with deep cross mark similar to yours. They were mounted on short wooden shafts and used as wood cutting hatchets. Yours is Austrian or possibly German, 18th-19th Century. Well made and with interesting and quite rare mark.

francantolin · 12th May 2017, 10:08 PM

Thann you really much Alex!! I LL look the Google link.
Kind regards !!

Victrix · 12th May 2017, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cornelistromp

IHS is a acronym/abbreviation of the greek name IHΣΟΥΣ =Jesus.
there is also another interpretation of IHS, better applicable to weapons

-In Hoc Signo (vincere) - In this sign you shall conquer".

best jasper

35 years ago I was told by the Jesuits that IHS stands for IESUS HRISTOS SALVATOR (Jesus Christ Saviour).

ALEX · 13th May 2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victrix

35 years ago I was told by the Jesuits that IHS stands for IESUS HRISTOS SALVATOR (Jesus Christ Saviour).

There are several very similar variations to IHS, and this is correct translation that applies to this mark.

I also discussed the axe with someone who knows more about them, and based on form he thinks it is earlier, possibly 17th-18th C and also possibly used to be a weapon before being modified into a hatchet.

fernando · 13th May 2017, 12:59 PM

Should we compare francantolin's example with a Doloire shown in George Snook's publication ... and read what he says abouth these axes.

.

francantolin · 13th May 2017, 09:38 PM

Thanks a lot Fernando !!

I found these informations,
seems to be an Austrian axe ''tool''/ weapon called Doloire:

12th May 2017, 12:22 PM	#1
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,058	IHS is a acronym/abbreviation of the greek name IHΣΟΥΣ =Jesus. there is also another interpretation of IHS, better applicable to weapons -In Hoc Signo (vincere) - In this sign you shall conquer". best jasper Attached Images Last edited by cornelistromp; 12th May 2017 at 12:33 PM.

13th May 2017, 12:59 PM	#8
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Should we compare francantolin's example with a Doloire shown in George Snook's publication ... and read what he says abouth these axes. . Attached Images

12th May 2017, 02:00 PM	#2
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Yes, a Christian symbol referencing Jesus. The cross and crossed bones also indicate this. Likely a wood cutting tool, especially if the blade is offset/off center from the socket, which seems to be a case here. Jesus was a carpenter, so this could be why such stamp was used.

12th May 2017, 03:56 PM	#3
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 876	Waoh !! Really interesting ! Thank you !! ( better an halberd head than a carpenter tool but.. any idea about the land of production/ use of this type of stamp ? North Europa ? And it's age ? Kind Regards

12th May 2017, 07:59 PM	#4
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Google "Austrian Goosewing Broad Axe" and you'll see many similar. There's one currently listed on a popular auction site with deep cross mark similar to yours. They were mounted on short wooden shafts and used as wood cutting hatchets. Yours is Austrian or possibly German, 18th-19th Century. Well made and with interesting and quite rare mark.

12th May 2017, 10:08 PM	#5
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 876	Thann you really much Alex!! I LL look the Google link. Kind regards !!